Ideas are the result of thinking. Therefore, thinking must be good – it’s the thoughts that might not be so hot. Regardless of their quality, without thoughts we would fall far short of “being all we can be.” There must be a point to our existence, right? One of the ways we express that existence is via what we say. Hopefully, thinking precedes speaking. If not, we know what kind of trouble that that can get us into.
Thinking should help us discover and live out our worldview. I’ve defined worldview as “the framework within which one interprets the past, acts in the present and prepares for the future.” But, where does the thinking that leads to interpretation, action and preparation originate? I’m going to pose lots of questions herein, but only answer a few of them. My goal is to get you thinking about your worldview !
Overview
In general, can we separate action from the thought that drives it? If so, what might that look like? If we are comprised of body, soul (mind, will and emotion) and spirit, do thoughts originate in one of these components, such as the mind? Or, are they a composite of some or all of the elements that form our body, soul and spirit? The mind seems to be a popular choice for either original thinking or the recollection of other’s thoughts that have become both recast into and mingled with ours.
What is the so called “Mind’s Eye?” If thoughts come exclusively from the mind, are they “blinded” by one’s will and/or emotion? A popular writer from the past said that thought was a “mind set.” I concur that the mind is a logical point of origin for the thoughts that ultimately form one’s worldview. In addition, as I have discussed elsewhere, thoughts can also originate from one’s spirit.
Thoughts on Thinking
Can one change the pattern of behavior that leads to a particular thought or pattern of thinking? It’s worth a try. To not change keeps us stuck where we are. Behavioral change could be the result of a new cause, i.e. thought. But why, then, does a particular thought recur? It might even produce an outcome different from that which occurred in the past? There are several possibilities, including; 1) it, in the past, had a positive outcome, or 2) it is (part of) an addiction, or 3) it is caused by an “external” input such as another person, “the media” or whatever.
What can one do with a thought that’s pointing toward an undesired action? Psychologists tell us that the suppression of thoughts and experiences can lead to unhealthy consequences. So, don’t suppress them – deal with them. Modify the thought by rethinking its subject, object or potential outcomes. Try to replace the thought with one that yields a more desirable result.
How might one interrupt the thought process, prior to action? The old adage, “count to ten” or some analogy thereof, has been effective for many, in a variety of circumstances. Quickly changing the immediate focus of one’s attention to something else in the area, works. For example, do some (even menial) task that’s been wanting, like an overdue cleaning job or mowing the lawn. Clearly then, avoid environments that have been associated with negative, unwanted past thoughts.
Others on Thinking
What influences thought? Let’s focus on the culture portion of the background, culture and experience that helps frame one’s worldview. John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle relate, in A Practical Guide to Culture, that the noise of today’s culture is drowning out both our ability and our desire to think. In his daily “Breakpoint” podcasts, covering a broad range of topics, Stonestreet and his colleagues stimulate one’s thinking on the culture we’re immersed in.
Ravi Zacharias, one of our times brilliant thinkers, said “most people cannot think for themselves anymore.” Ravi’s writing in Can Man Live without God? impacted me early in my life as a Christ follower. It’s been great to reconnect with him via both his “Just Thinking Magazine” and his numerous YouTube videos. In the first issue of this magazine, over 25 years ago, Ravi gathered some historical perspective on thinking in an article titled “The Dying Art of Thinking.” Therein, he encourages us all to expand our thinking by reading great writers. Today, we can watch and listen to them, too.
C.S. Lewis has had a longtime impact on my worldview, especially in his collection of essays, The Weight of Glory. More directly related to thinking, is another of his essays, Meditation in a Toolshed. A careful read or listen to this message will definitely stimulate your thinking.
Finally, what should one think about? Here’s a good start from a great Source: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things (Philippians 4:8).” Add a few minutes to every day, thinking about how you can improve both your life and the lives of those around you.
